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Praying for the Poor Souls in Purgatory

I had a very simple but yet profound dream awhile ago. They say you dream every night. Most
dreams do not make much sense and are a product of our subconscious. However, I believe that some dreams are a way for God to get our attention.

My dream woke me up from a sound sleep. I recalled that I was dreaming of a person whom I knew at my former parish. I had not thought about her for years. She died a few years ago.
I immediately began to pray for this person's soul. I prayed the Hail Mary probably a number of times before drifting off to sleep again. When I awoke the next morning, I began to think about this departed soul. I felt like the Holy Spirit was asking me to
remember this departed soul in my prayers.

What does the Church teach
us about purgatory? “The souls in purgatory died in the mercy of God, this is why they are called holy; however, because they still had attachment to sin at the time of their death, they must undergo a spiritual purification of their souls before they
are able to fully love God with their whole heart, mind, and soul for all eternity.”

I must admit that before this dream I wasn't in the habit of praying daily for the poor souls in purgatory accept at Mass. However the Holy Spirit has convicted my heart to remember the poor souls
who are waiting for our prayers so that they can be released and experience the full love of God in Heaven.

I have adopted a way of remembering the holy souls in purgatory daily. As I pray my daily Rosary, I dedicate the third decade of the Rosary for the holy
souls in purgatory and for all those who will die this day.

What are some of the ways to pray
for our departed brothers and sisters?-This is just a short list and I am sure they are many other ways to pray for the holy souls: Having a Mass said for the departed soul; praying the rosary; Divine Mercy Chaplet; novenas, Stations of the Cross and when
we visit a cemetery sprinkle holy water on the graves while praying for the departed souls. During the month of November, let us remember to pray for the holy souls in purgatory.

Reflection:

I ask you Blessed Mother Mary to console the souls in purgatory, particularly those most abandoned. “Eternal rest grant unto them, O Lord. And let the perpetual light shine upon them. And may the souls of all the faithful departed, through the mercy of God, rest in peace. Amen.”